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Experience in news reporting, law and college communications combined with a lifelong love of Westchester County, Catherine Cioffi was the perfect choice to become the county's next director of communications, according to her new boss, County Executive George Latimer.

"This is going to be an incredible journey,'' said Cioffi. "He's going to do great things for Westchester. I'm just thrilled to be part of that."

Cioffi, a 36-year-old Pleasantville native, prides herself on being fair and accessible and spent years covering major news in the New York metro area. She lives with her husband and three sons in Ossining and loves suburban life and everything Westchester has to offer with top schools, parks and cultural activities.

"I'm a writer -- that is at the heart of everything that I do. I spent many years as a journalist,'' Cioffi said.

The Bronx born Cioffi moved to Pleasantville in 1993. In her "spare time," she likes to read, refinish furniture and do crafts with her sons.

The mother of three boys resides in Ossining with her husband, Robert A. Torrieri. "We love living here,'' Cioffi told Daily Voice. "In a lot of ways, it's a small town, but it has as much to offer as a big city."

"This is our home. This is where we belong,'' she said. "It's a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. My children think we live on a farm, but the reality is we are only 45 minutes away from New York City."

She is a graduate of Fordham University and Pace Law School. Cioffi has an extensive background in radio news including WCBS NewsRadio 880, and marketing and public relations with Mercy College. Also with news reporting, Cioffi also briefly worked as a law clerk.

"I really loved law school, but every day practice was not for me,'' she said.

She has a working knowledge of government and public and community relations, and will serve to oversee the communications staff and operations of Latimer's office.

“Catherine Cioffi will be a wonderful addition to my communications team," Latimer said. "Her news, community relations and broad experience will help our administration address community concerns and help to ensure the transparency we have promised to the people of Westchester."

Since Cioffi joined Mercy, online media hits for the college increased 600 percent and Mercy's social media presence has increased 100 percent. Cioffi previously worked at WCBS 880 AM for a decade as a general assignment reporter.

Cioffi has also worked at WFUV 90.7 FM, WBGO 88.3 FM, ABC News Radio Network and Clear Channel New England Hub.

In 2003, Cioffi received the American Young Broadcasters Award. She's also a former community advisor to Daily Voice. In 2017, she was honored by the FIERI Scholarship Committee an Italian- American of distinction. Cioffi also serves on the Italian American Forum Board, and until recently served on the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Board. She is active in the Ossining community, where her sons attend the public schools.

"I'm ecstatic. I'm excited about this new role,'' Cioffi said. "Our best days are ahead of us for sure."